Why we need more women in leadership positions?

Earlier in February 2018, women across the world shared a moment of pride. The Chairman and CEO of PepsiCo, Indra Nooyi was appointed as the first independent female director on the International Cricket Council Board. Considered one of the most influential women across the world, Indra Nooyi is just one of the few who holds a leadership position in the corporate world.

Numbers speak

In India, women held 16.0% of senior leadership roles in 2016. In 2015, women held 11.2% of board seats in India and 12% across the world. Another report points out that women’s participation in labour force fell to 26.7% in 2014 from 34.8% in 1990.

Why more women leaders are needed?

To mentor and motivate other women

Seeing a woman lead by example can surely inspire others in the workforce. They need colleagues to look up to and guide them through their career paths. At some point or the other, women need a senior contemporary who they can speak to and share their views on personal and work life. For instance, at work, a female boss can fight for workplace issues faced by women such as maternity leave, sexual harassment, and more. Her own experience may be useful to chart out a work-life balance schedule.

Multi-tasking comes naturally to them

Today’s dynamic work environment requires leaders to handle various activities. It involves planning, organizing, managing and controlling all at once. Hence, workplaces need leaders who can take care of daily operations and emergencies efficiently. Historically, on the domestic front, women have seamlessly performed multiple roles and tasks. With such experience and inherent skillsets, multi-tasking at work comes only naturally to women.

Building relationships is a part of their DNA

They know what empathy is and understand the value of relationships. These are fundamental pillars for building successful teams. When employees know they are being valued, they work with complete dedication. Women are capable of maintaining good relations and caring for their teams while simultaneously working towards achieving a common goal. Having women leaders will ensure that the workforce is happy with the support of good relations.

They are excellent communicators, networkers and brilliant at analysis

Leadership roles require communicating internally and externally with all stakeholders. Effective communication is vital for carrying out business transactions and negotiations. Networking is yet another important function that business leaders use to build resources. Meeting new and key people within the industry serves fruitful for the smooth functioning of any business. Both these activities are a great source of gaining intelligent information. Women are known to be good communicators and negotiators. They can build a strong network of associates, which can come in handy for companies.

Education lays the foundation

There are some characteristics of being a leader that women have naturally, but education fills the gap by providing relevant knowledge and creating holistic individuals. It opens up new avenues and gives an opportunity to explore their talent and passion. Education builds a strong foundation to enhance their skill sets and achieve their dreams. Women empowerment has never been more relevant than it is today, and the first step towards achieving 100% gender equality is education.

Make your daughter future-ready

Cost of education continues to rise every year. Hence, only monthly savings may not be sufficient in the long run to meet your daughter’s educational requirements. In the process of ensuring that your daughter shines bright in her career, funds should not be a deterrent. This can be made possible by planning in advance and opting for a child education plan. Charting a financial plan at the right time is important to take care of your princess’ higher education, fees, and other expenses. While doing so, you need to consider your daughter’s needs even in your absence. The returns should suffice until she is responsible enough. Hence, choose child education plans that match your objective and invest at the right time.

The bottom-line

Women have come a long way. As parents, it is your responsibility to develop your daughter’s skillsets and make her into a force to reckon with. Encourage her to achieve her dreams as you provide her financial support with the right investment plan.

*By submitting my contact details I authorize Aegon Life Insurance to Call or SMS me with reference to this enquiry. This overrides the DND registration. For more details on risk factors, terms and conditions please read sales brochure carefully before concluding a sale.

Trade logo displayed belongs to M/s AEGON N.V. and M/s Bennett, Coleman and Company Limited and used by Aegon Life Insurance Company Ltd. under trade agreement.

IRDAI is not involved in activities like selling insurance policies, announcing bonus or investment of premiums. Public receiving such phone calls are requested to lodge a police complaint

Additional Disclaimers

THE INVESTMENT RISK IN INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO IS BORNE BY THE POLICYHOLDER. THE LINKED INSURANCE PRODUCTS DO NOT OFFER ANY LIQUIDITY DURING THE FIRST FIVE YEARS OF THE CONTRACT. THE POLICYHOLDER WILL NOT BE ABLE TO SURRENDER/WITHDRAW THE MONIES INVESTED IN LINKED INSURANCE PRODUCTS COMPLETELY OR PARTIALLY TILL THE END OF THE FIFTH YEAR.

For more details on risk factors, terms & conditions please read sales brochures and benefits illustrations carefully before concluding a sale. Products and as such, are subject to risk factors • The premium paid in unit linked life insurance policies are subject to investment risks associated with capital markets and the NAV’s of the units may go up or down based on the performance of fund and factors influencing the capital market and the policy holder is responsible for his/ her decisions • Aegon Life Insurance is only the name of the Insurance Company. Aegon Life iMaximize Insurance Plan and Aegon Life iInvest Insurance Plan is only the name of the unit linked life insurance contract. The various funds offered under this contract are the names of the funds and do not in any way indicate the quality of these plans, their future prospects and returns. The non-guaranteed projected investment returns of 4% and 8% are not guaranteed. Please know the associated risks and the applicable charges, from your insurance Agent or the Intermediary or policy document of the insurer .If death occurs due to suicide within 12 months from the date of commencement of risk or of the Policy, the death benefit is refund of at least 80% of the premium(s) paid provided the Policy is in-force. If death occurs due to suicide within 12 months from the date of revival of the Policy, the death benefit is higher of 80% of the premiums paid till the date of death or the Surrender Value available as on the date of death. If death occurs due to suicide within 12 months from the date of exercising life stage option (resulting in the increase in death benefit), the death benefit is the aggregate of the following: Original Total Sum Assured, plus any increased Sum Assured purchased by exercising the life stage option prior to 12 months from the date of death (due to suicide); plus 80% of the premiums paid for the last increase in Sum Assured. The premiums paid and benefits received are eligible for tax benefits under section 80C and 10 (10D) of the Income Tax Act of 1961, respectively on fulfilment of conditions laid down for availing such benefits. Please consult your tax advisor for details. Goods & Services Tax announced by Government or statutory body in future would be levied as per the applicable laws.